Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia was back at spring training on Friday and he publicly addressed the death of his daughter, which prompted him to leave the team right before the start of the 2025 World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays.

In an emotional prepared statement, Vesia spoke about the loss, his wife Kay, his teammates and getting back to baseball in 2026. He also gave a classy thank you to the Blue Jays for their support during the emotional experience.

He specifically mentioned the No. 51's on the hats of Jays' relievers during the World Series. While the entire bullpen had the No. 51's, he noticed it first on Louis Varland.

“They are a first-class organization. Kay and I, we were very emotional… it showed it was much bigger than baseball.”

Vesia said he watched the entire World Series and getting ready for the 2026 season in the gym has become his mental clarity.

The Dodgers beat the Blue Jays in seven games to win their second consecutive World Series title. The Jays haven't won a title since 1993 and will try again in 2026.

The 29-year-old Vesia went 4-2 last season with a 3.02 ERA, appearing in 68 games. He struck out 80 batters in 59.2 innings. His absence was a big one for the Dodgers, but the situation was far bigger than baseball - and everybody knew it.

--The Blue Jays made a trade for slugging outfielder Jesus Sanchez on Friday and he'll work to alleviate the loss of Anthony Santander. We took a look at what general manager Ross Atkins said about the move, and how it impacts Nathan Lukes moving forward.

--The Jays also signed veteran right-hander Jesse Hahn to a minor league deal on Saturday morning. He appeared in three games for the Seattle Mariners in 2025.

--New Blue Jays signing Kazuma Okamoto is in camp now and will meet with the media for the first time on Saturday.

--Around the rest of the American League East: Former Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt signed with the Baltimore Orioles and Orioles 2B Jackson Holliday is going to be out for a while with a fractured hamate bone.

--Gerrit Cole was back on the mound for the New York Yankees on Saturday. He missed all of last season with Tommy John surgery and is scheduled to miss at least the first month of the season in 2026.

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